Team Needs: Baltimore Ravens

Most thought the Ravens were in for a long season after naming rookie Joe Flacco the starter in week one, but expectations were definitely exceeded. Flacco had an excellent year in an offense that allowed him to grow as the season went on. With a strong running game and an elite defense, the few mistakes that Flacco did make weren’t game changers, allowing him to build confidence in his receivers and take the odd deep shot downfield. The Ravens biggest win all season had to be the playoff road game against the Titans, in which Baltimore was considered a long shot against Tennessee’s explosive running game.

Free agency has been an ugly fist fight with teams trying to keep their defensive leaders; the Ravens did lose LB Bart Scott, but Ray Lewis is now locked up and will be a Raven until he hangs it up. Despite the loss of Bart Scott, Baltimore has upgraded their secondary by signing corners Domonique Foxworth and Chris Carr. The Ravens also added veterans Matt Birk and L.J. Smith.

With such a strong ’08 season and only losing one starter from last year, the Ravens can plan for the future instead of drafting out of need. Although trying to replace Bart Scott, a much underrated linebacker, won’t be easy. The Ravens also need to look at the safety and receiver positions, as age is becoming a factor. At pick number 26 the Ravens will look at trying to add another defensive weapon, but Gridiron Experts thinks that with the depth in offensive players in this year’s draft, the Ravens should add a receiver for their new favorite quarterback. The Ravens are lacking a big physical target, and a player like Kenny Britt from Rutgers could help Joe Flacco on 3rd downs. Britt does not have blinding speed, but is strong and powerful off the line; defenders tend to jam the Baltimore receivers, and Kenny Britt could be productive in the Ravens offense. Kenny Britt has the toughness and strength to rip the ball right out of defenders arms, with great vision and leaping ability. Kenny Brit, at 6’3″ and 215 lbs, is an excellent blocker who could help block defenders downfield. Of course, the Ravens are an old school team that rarely take risks with first round picks, but after last season’s gamble with Joe Flacco, Baltimore may break the trend of playing it safe.